Qatar Airways Probed After Vegetarian Passenger’s In-Flight Death

Qatar Airways Faces Wrongful Death Lawsuit Over Meal Service Incident.An elderly vegetarian passenger died after choking on a meal served aboard a Qatar Airways flight. The incident occurred in June 2023 on a journey from Los Angeles to Colombo. The passenger’s son has now filed a lawsuit against the airline.The lawsuit alleges negligence in both meal service and medical response. This case highlights critical issues surrounding airline passenger safety and dietary protocols.

Details of the Onboard Tragedy

The passenger was 85-year-old Dr. Asoka Jayaveera, a retired cardiologist. He had pre-ordered a vegetarian meal for his flight. According to reports, he was mistakenly served a non-vegetarian dish.Crew members allegedly told him to “eat around the meat.” Dr. Jayaveera then began choking on the food. He lost consciousness during the flight.The pilot made an emergency landing in Edinburgh, Scotland. Dr. Jayaveera was rushed to a local hospital. He later died on August 3, 2023, from aspiration pneumonia.

Legal Action and Airline Accountability

Dr. Jayaveera’s son, Surya Jayaweera, filed a wrongful death lawsuit. It claims the airline failed to provide the correct meal. The suit also alleges an inadequate response to the medical emergency.The lawsuit seeks $128,821 in damages. This figure represents the statutory minimum under international treaty. The case is governed by the Montreal Convention.This treaty sets liability rules for international airlines. It establishes a payout limit for death and injury claims. According to Reuters, such conventions create strict liability for carriers.The case raises serious questions about airline procedures. It underscores the importance of honoring dietary requests. It also highlights the need for robust emergency medical training for crew members.

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This lawsuit places a sharp focus on passenger safety protocols. The outcome of the Qatar Airways case could influence industry-wide standards for special meal services and in-flight medical emergencies.

Thought you’d like to know

What happened to the passenger on the Qatar Airways flight?

An 85-year-old vegetarian passenger choked after being served a non-vegetarian meal. He lost consciousness onboard and later died in a hospital from complications.

What is the Montreal Convention mentioned in the lawsuit?

It is an international treaty governing airline liability for international travel. It sets rules and financial limits for death and injury claims against airlines.

What damages is the family seeking from Qatar Airways?

The family’s lawsuit is seeking $128,821 in damages. This is the statutory minimum amount for such claims under the applicable treaty.

How has this incident impacted airline passenger safety discussions?

It has intensified scrutiny on how airlines handle special dietary requests. It also raises questions about the adequacy of emergency medical training for flight crews.

Why is the airline considered strictly liable in this situation?

Because both the US and Qatar are signatories to the Montreal Convention. This treaty often imposes strict liability on carriers for accidents occurring on international flights.